Walker ready to go all out against Beech

“The Breakout” (Ulster Hall, Saturday, 7pm live on DAZN)

The Olympian's hype may have propelled him into the professional ranks, but Kurt Walker has had to pass some tough tests in his past 10 races, and his reward is Saturday when he takes on James Beach Jr. This is your first chance to compete for the title. Vacant WBA Continental European Championship.

Featherweight Lisburn has built a record on the undercard, but this is a big night as he tops Conlan Boxing's 'Breakout' card, which will be broadcast live on DAZN from the Ulster Hall.

That is his intention going into this week's match against the Englishman, as he has the opportunity to boost his career both in terms of rankings and, at this stage, in the equally important court of public opinion.

The 29-year-old is well aware that he needs to start moving forward and Saturday's win should open the door to further opportunities, citing Lewis Crocker's breakthrough last year.

“The name of the show, 'The Breakout,' is exactly what it says, so we're not preparing for past matches like this one,” he reports.

“I've put in too much to fail, so now all I have to do is get a win and see where it takes me. The title gives me even more options. will be done.

“I look at Lewis Crocker and see how he's doing. He's had a few bad years with injuries and now he's learning that he has the world at his feet. sea ​​bream.

“As you can see over the past year, there's a lot more big-time boxing coming back here. If I have a title, whatever the platform is, I'll put it in the hat when the big shows are here. I can put my name in. Now that I'm 29, I want a title and I need to start moving forward.

“For me, being broadcast live on DAZN means even more than being the headliner because that's where everyone's attention is. I don't think I've been on TV once in 10 fights. We had Facebook live streams, but TV means people all over the world are watching.”

Walker's last fight took place in January at the Bedford Street venue, where he won unscathed against Darwin Martinez.

A cursory look at the Nicaraguan's record suggested it was routine, but anyone who's watched him in the past knows he's a threat and needs strength training due to his late arrival. I knew that Walker had only received six days worth of training. On the card, he admitted that he always has to keep his wits about him.

That's been kind of a theme throughout his career, probably because his opponents see his status as an Olympian and feel like it's a great opportunity.

So nothing has come easy for him, but that could be a blessing for this week and what's to come.

Beach has a record of 16 wins and 5 losses, but all of his losses have come against good opponents. In fact, he has faced undefeated fighters such as Dennis McCann, Nathaniel Collins and Hopey Price, all of whom are tough opponents at the British level, making it the perfect test for Walker at this point.

The visitors will arrive knowing that one more defeat is likely to end their title chances, so Walker has taken nothing for granted and has prepared accordingly.

“I'm glad I was able to play a match like this, because everyone I've played against so far came to win and really supported me,'' he reflected.

“He (Beech) has fought against good opponents before and they have dealt with him, so I need to deal with him. I hope I can do it in a good way, but I don't care. All you have to do is win.

“This will be his last chance. He said he wasn't expecting this opportunity when the (promotional) cameraman went to see him, and that says it all.

“It's not easy to beat him because he always puts good fights against good fighters and has fought 12 rounds for Great Britain and the Commonwealth.

“I expect there will be pressure, but I know I have the fitness and have trained well enough to deal with him.”